2. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS »How does a skilled writer create a plot that makes you want to keep reading? »Why is conflict necessary in a good story? »Why should a reader consider point of view when reading?

3. Parts of a Plot »Exposition: Important background information is given. Characters and setting are introduced. »Rising Action: Conflicts and complications build toward the climax. »Climax: The high emotional point or turning point of a story »Falling Action: The events leading to the resolution. The conflict is, or begins to be, settled. »Resolution: The conclusion, or end, of a story

4. Plot Structure “slice of life” typical plot surprise ending

5. Conflict Triggers the action of a story Types of conflict: »Person vs. Person »Person vs. Society »Person vs. Nature »Person vs. Self »Person vs. Fate

6. Other Plot Terms »Foreshadowing »an author suggests something (usually unpleasant) that is going to happen in a story »Suspense »an author creates a feeling of tense excitement about how something will end

7. Point of View »First Person Point of View »The story is told by one of the characters »The narrator uses pronouns such as I, we »Third Person Point of View »The story is told by a narrator who is not a character in the story »Narrator uses pronouns such as he, she, they »Omniscient: the narrator relates the thoughts and feelings of ALL the characters »Limited: the narrator relates the thoughts and feelings of just one character